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One of the first decisions to make is what to take with you. If an employer is paying for the move, then you may wish to find out what moving expenses are covered, and what the accommodation includes. This can often be dependent on interpretation, so find out the experiences of other expatriates with your employer. Taking your own furniture can help make your foreign surroundings, seem a little more familiar and homely. On the other side, it is not always easy to integrate furniture designed for one climate and lifestyle, into another.

Putting the remainder of furniture into storage can be expensive (if you’re paying), and you may find some items become redundant in the meantime. It might be worth using the move as an opportunity to dispose of the clutter in any case.

You might also find that the decision of what to take and what not to take might change depending on your own experience, and accommodation. If you can, and particularly if an employer is covering the cost, you could stay in serviced accommodation to begin with, and then return to pack up your belongings once you have decided what to bring.

It is worth checking whether your appliances (TV, hifi, white goods etc) will work in the country you are going to, due to differences in voltage and transmission systems. For information about electrical, telecommunications and TV compatability consult our Communications section. 

To manage your move there a number of international moving companies that can assist you. Some companies operate through their own networks, others will operate through other agents. Do find out who their agents in the destination country are – have they used them before? The companies listed below are some well known British based international movers, that should all be pleased to give you a quote for moves worldwide.

Allied Pickfords ,Britannia Movers International plc,Crown,Excess Baggage,Interdean

As an alternative, the  British Association of Removers have a website with a county be county list of UK movers, some of whom will have international connections although no email details. The Federation of International Moving Companies (FIDI) have a list of web connections to a country by country list of international movers.

Be aware that shipments of a certain size (eg a 2 bed house) can fill a 20’ ship container, so make sure you get the surveyor to explain the pricing, to take advantage of volume breaks.

Check what items are prohibited or subject to customs control in your destination country. The moving company should be able to tell you, or as a guide check the Customs Regulations prepared by FIDI. Do not gamble, or compromise these rules, however tedious they may appear. You can expect a declaration regarding the shipment contents. There are countries that prohibit video tapes unless checked by the censor, avoid the scenario of a container being unloaded on the street because there’s a video tape in the back somewhere. Breaking rules could lead to untold misery – including impounding your goods, deportation or worse. Chemicals or hazardous goods are worth avoiding (even in small quantities) , to avoid delays at the port.

You will probably arrive before your goods. You may wish to send an advance shipment out by air. Do get your mover to explain the clearance process, who does what and when. It may be that a work permit (thereby proving your residence status) or other documents will be required to clear goods through customs. An air freight shipment may arrive before such paperwork, check before you leave.

For minimum hassle, it may be worth taking everything you need in the short term with you on the plane, then stay in serviced accommodation or with friends until you can move into your own new home. The first few days and weeks might be quite demanding, so don’t be too ambitious in your timetable. Export packing is a bit different to piling your belongings in some old tea crates in a rented Luton van. It does pay to get the moving company to pack, and they may not insure you otherwise. You’ll have enough to worry about, without having to packing everything in acres of cardboard. As a rough guide, a small house might take 2 people 2days to pack, with container collection on at the end.

Do get insurance, your mover will normally have suitable policies.

Contrary to popular belief there are places where it is more expensive to buy a car than the UK, and taking your own car might appear attractive. However consider the freight cost, and the duty payable at the other end, which could be very high for new or used vehicles. The process is described in pamphlet V526 available by post or in person from UK Vehicle Registration Offices.